Heatwave leads to hiccup-free record electricity consumption

A new record in electricity consumption was registered on Friday, as the country fought the oppressing heat that has prevailed throughout the week, MaltaToday has learned.

As temperatures rose above 38 degrees Celsius yesterday, electricity consumption peaked at 460MW, 12MW higher than the previous record of 448MW registered a few weeks ago.

50MW alone were provided to the grid through photo-voltaic (PV) panel farms.

Sources confirmed that no electrical outages or disruptions were recorded.

The increase in demand was attributed to greater use of air conditioners, fans and other cooling equipment in residences and offices.

The Metereological Office said on Friday that the feel-like temperature had reached the 42 degree Celsius mark, with temperatures forecast to remain at the same level throughout Saturday.

The heatwave is expected to last into early next week, with temperatures expected to dro to 35 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.